If you could have only one revolver.....

[osteodoc08]

as the title says. If you could have one revolver as a do it all revolver, what would you choose. I will be in this boat for a while until some things in my life improve.

I have the opportunity to trade straight across with a rifle, which is expendable to me with no attachment, for a LNIB Smith 629 Classic with 5" barrel. It handles well and I've always enjoyed the N frames. I know it's not as strong as a BH/RH/SRH, but all I need is a Keith running at 1200 for everyday work. Which I'm casting up now.

Opinions?

[Outpost75]

Depending on how much you shoot, as long as you keep the loads moderate, your 1200 fps should be OK,the 629 should be OK, but if you intend to shoot more than 5000 full power loads over the life of the gun, you should look at something else. I don't know how the current stainless Smiths compare to the old ones, but in the '70s and '80s I wore out two blued 29s which got annual factory trained armorer PM and by the time the cranes had been stretched twice, the barrel set back to close excessive cylinder gap, and oversized lock parts put in and the guns factory repaired to cure cylinder backspin with hot loads I gave up and bought two Rugers, which I still have and use. Original Redhawk 5-1/2" and a 5-1/2" Super Blackhawk I shot a great deal and had factory rebuilt in 2001. One Ruger rebuilt in 20 years is OK with me.

If I were to choose one, it would be my rebuilt 5-1/2" .44 Magnum Super Blackhawk with Bowen Rough Country sights, Belt Mountain locking basepin, steel XR3 grip frame and extra .44-40 line-bored cylinder, by John Taylor, which out shoots the original .44 Magnum cylinder.

147699

[JWNathan]

Personally i don't care for the Classic with the full under lug, just an asthetics thing with me. But if ya could only have one, an N frame smith would be at the top of my list too!

I have my do everything revolver, it's a 625 Mountain gun in 45 Colt that's been cut for full moon clips. I like the dual use thing, my second favorite is a 4 5/8" Blackhawk convertible in 45 colt/45acp.
-Jesse

[mwells72774]

For me it'd have to be a smith M1917, 45acp

[osteodoc08]

Had a blued 625 MG that I sold on here actually. Didn't shoot it much. The newer 629's have some changes to ensure longer life than the old 29s. I'm sure I'll send some full power loads down range but that not my primary MO.

[retread]

45 Colt. Very versatile!

[M-Tecs]

I have various Smiths and Rugers that I love but if I only had one it would be my Dan Wesson 15-2 in 357 Mag.

[Gofaaast]

N frame is hard to beat. Mine choice would be a 657 though.

[TXGunNut]

I hate the "If you could only have one..." threads but I feel I have an answer for this one. Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt. Unique plinker loads, crowd-pleasing BP loads and rhino-rolling hunting loads all in one attractive and affordable package. On top of all that you won't be scrimping in the accuracy or durability departments either.

[dragonrider]

My GP-100, it will do anything I need it to do. In fact it is my only centerfire revolver.

[BigAl52]

Only one. I have a Smith 657 power port in 41 mag that will not ever be sold. Thats my choice If I didn't have that it would be any other 41 mag. Al

[johnson1942]

uberti 1871-1872 .38 special open top. nickle plated with custom checkered grips. wanted one since i first found out their is such a revolver. sits in a drawer loaded along side my bed if i need it. almost did the other night. 3 drunks showed up at our very rural home very late the other night. the drunks around here get real mean. if they would have kicked the door in they would have had a suprise. i and the 71 kept calm in the house. later the county cops took care of them.

[9.3X62AL]

Toss-up for me between my S&W 686 x 4" or the 629 Mtn Gun x 4". 95% of my 44 Mag revolver shooting gets done with 240-250 grain bullets running 1100-1200 FPS, or lower velocities than that.

[ejcrist]

That is a very tough question. Do convertibles count? If so I'd have to go with my Freedom Arms 83 in 454 with 45 Colt cylinder. I love that revolver. If convertibles don't qualify I'd go with my FA 97 in 44 Special.

[crawfobj]

625 MG, 686, or 629. Does narrowing it down to one manufacturer count?

[jaydub in wi]

I hate the "If you could only have one..." threads but I feel I have an answer for this one. Ruger Blackhawk in 45 Colt. Unique plinker loads, crowd-pleasing BP loads and rhino-rolling hunting loads all in one attractive and affordable package. On top of all that you won't be scrimping in the accuracy or durability departments either.
My thoughts exactly. I could live with my black hawk 41 too

[Kskybroom]

If it was One
It would be my
Dan Wessen 44mag SS 8in
Would love to find a 6in barrel.......

[Ola]

That is one easy question.

if single action: Freedom Arms
if double action: Korth (http://www.korth-waffen.de/uploads/html5video/Korth_en_01.mp4)

In .357 Mag.

[Djones]

Ruger Blackhawk in 45 colt. 4 5/8" barrel. It sure would be nice in a Bisley but the only factory offering is not a Bisley.

[chuckbuster]

6.5" .41Mag Blackhawk as it appears in my Avatar

[ericp]

4 3/4" Ruger 45 convertible flattop does everything I need from a handgun but I would hate to part with my Model 58.

Eric

[StrawHat]

For me it would be an "N" frame with a 4" skinny barrel chambered for the 45 ACP. Everything I need in a handgun. One of these three would be fine.

147670147671147672

Kevin

[bobthenailer]

That would also be my choice a 5" 629 classic .
Ive have them in 8.3, 6.5, 6.0, 5.0 and 3.0 inch barrels . as well as three other models of S&W revolver's with 5" barrels a 625 and two PC 627's .

[Maximumbob54]

S&W M28:

http://i1176.photobucket.com/albums/x333/Maximumbob54/2012-10-10_16-53-46_491_zps5f574e9d.jpg (http://s1176.photobucket.com/user/Maximumbob54/media/2012-10-10_16-53-46_491_zps5f574e9d.jpg.html)

I'm guessing this gun will outlive me several times over. A .357 magnum will take any game animal on this continent with the right ammo if I do my part. The N frame gobbles up recoil and that fat cylinder holds in that magnum pressure for all of the hot loads. I would pair this gun with my Rossi R92 as my go to hell combo.

[reed1911]

I have to add my 2 cents; something in .357. While my general be all-end all is the .22LR, the last few years have proven that to be a headache. Since .22LR is not easily re-loaded it became the next most popular in terms of sales and thus availability and that would be the .38/.357 combo. While not the powerhouse that the .44 or .45 have the ability to become, the .38/.357 offers both wide spread availability as well as re-loadability. Certainly downloaded .38's are fine for small game and of course the .357 is adequate for any medium sized game (as well as two-legged varmints).

[reed1911]

Oh, and as to manufacture? Dan wesson with all the barrels 2"-12" just because I can only own one

[Thumbcocker]

My 5.5" stainless Bisley .44. I have tricked it out with a lanyard ring, belt mountain pin, Bowen sights and a trigger job. It has taken a pile of deer, a hog, 2 coyotes and shoots very well with full snort loads and woods bumming loads of red dot. I did some of my best shooting with it by making repeated hits on a dishwasher sized rock at a lasered 313 yards from standing two handed hold. It also helped persuade a couple of trespassers that we should all just wait for the deputy to arrive. I know that all I have to do is shoot up to it's potential.

[bob208]

my ruger old model Blackhawk with 4 5/8 barrel in .357. It is my first centerfire wheelgun. bought used in 72 still going strong.

[Mk42gunner]

To me, one center fire revolver to do it all implies CCW, small game, large game, plinking and various target games. I can't think of anything more versatile than a 4" .357. Probably a stainless medium frame like a Ruger Security Six or S&W K Frame. Next in line would be a GP-100 or 686.

Blued versions would work just as well, they just require a bit more maintenance.

Robert

[bdicki]

I've had several model 29's and 629's the last one was of the new design. Everyone of them backed up with factory loaded 240 grain bullets. I'll never own another as I don't like bang, bang, click. I don't own a 44 anymore, 41mag and 45 colt blackhawks.
My current favorite.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t182/bdicki/IMG_0709_zpscukwszlu.jpg

[Char-Gar]

This is a very subjective question as we all don't have the same needs and wants in a handgun. For me I would want a good rugged 357 Magnum. the 38 Special will do 98% of what I want a handgun to do and the other 2% can be done with the longer magnum. I am not leaving Texas unless it is in a pine box, so I don't have to worry about big critters with teeth and claws.

I have two sixguns that will fill the bill nicely;

1. The first is a stock Smith and Wesson 6" Model 28 that I bought new in 1982.

2. The second is an old 1972 vintage 3 screw Ruger Blackhawk, I bought used in 1996 for $125.00. The barrel, cylinder and finish were trashed, so I sent it back to Ruger for new parts and a refinish. I later added a stainless steel grip frame, a steel ejector rod and a Belt Mountain base pin. It is a fine shooting, well balanced and long lived sixgun.

Either one of these two would serve me well as my "one and only".

[Good Cheer]

.41 Blackhawk. From light weight cast plinkers or jacketed splatter bullets to deep penetration Winchester lever action duplication loads it's just about the most versatile thing I've ever worked with.

http://i791.photobucket.com/albums/yy192/SNARGLEFLERK/41RIVET%20WITH%202400%202012-06-15_zpsaxfozdyk.jpg (http://s791.photobucket.com/user/SNARGLEFLERK/media/41RIVET%20WITH%202400%202012-06-15_zpsaxfozdyk.jpg.html)

If it was going to be a self defense weapon I'd want a double action.

[Char-Gar]

Sometimes, necessity is indeed the mother of invention, or something like that. As a college students, my funds were in short supply and all I had was a USGI Remington-Rand 1911A1, with loading tools and a bullet mold. For three years, I did everything with this one handgun in spite of it's asserted limitations. I hunted deer, javelina, jack rabbits, skunks, coyotes, porcupines and even killed a deer with it plus a Mountain Lion. It also saved my bacon in one "inter-personal" dispute in Ojinaga Mexico.

I could again press a good 1911 into service as a do all handgun. The Remington-Rand is long gone but I still have a good Colt GM and a Norinco 1911A1. The Norinco has had a sight and barrel upgrade, but other than that is stock. Of course we do change grips on such pistols. Ivory on the Colt and Mesquite on the Norinco. Just a year or so ago, I retrofitted both pistols with a long trigger. With arthritis setting up in my shooting hand, I find the longer trigger easier to use. Years ago, I was a short trigger man.

[kens]

Your OP say you can trade straight across for an expendable rifle, to get a S&W 357.
Take the deal!!
Its a no brainer.
If you want a stronger gun, trade later.
Take the S&W now, and back off the loads from your 1200fps to 1125, probably a much lighter load on the gun, but nothing on the receiving end will know the difference between 1200 or 1125fps.

[Piedmont]

It isn't much of a do it all gun, but if I could have only one revolver it would be a 2" J frame .38 special and nothing else is even in the running. It handles one essential duty better than anything else I have found.

Other non-revolvers, short gun or long, could fill any other firearm need I might have. That is hard to write since I am basically a hand gunner and basically a revolver guy at that. But larger revolvers are for entertainment these days.

[Katya Mullethov]

Carry one gun ? That makes about as much sense as carrying one bullet .

[Doc1]

Easy answer: Ruger GP-100, 4" barrel, in 357 Magnum (yes, they did make a few in .38 Spl.). This revolver can literally do it all and do it fairly well. It's a decent choice for defence (though I prefer to carry a 1911 for that application), you can hunt up to mid-sized game (deer and pigs) and with its adjustable sights, it's a decent plinker and target revolver. It's also the only .357 revolver that can be fairly easily field stripped. I prefer the 6" version, but since I'm including defence in its duties and assuming that concealability comes in to play, I was willing to shave off a couple of inches. You don't lose much with the shorter length.

If, in an uber survival situation, I had to go out into a dangerous world with only one handgun - auto or revolver - it would be the GP-100.

Best regards
Doc

[Jeff82]

I'd either pick my S&W Model 14-2 or my S&W Model 10-8 with a 4-inch bull barrel.

[FergusonTO35]

If my one and only revolver is also my one and only handgun, I would have to go with the S&W 64 with round butt and 3" tube. Apparently alot of folks agree with me, these things are always north of $400.00 on the auction sites. If I was allowed to have an additional pistol to use for CCW but could choose only one wheelgun I would take a 67 with heavy barrel.

[376Steyr]

My choice would be a S&W 66 K frame .357 with a 4" barrel. Small enough for concealed carry, powerful enough for deer if necessary, can shoot 38 specials when you can't handload, will last forever if you mainly shoot moderate 38s in it, and a good single action trigger pull out of the box.

[blueeyephil]

That is a tough question. I was in that situation for years when I was young. I was a Colt Trooper Mark III in 357 with a 6" barrel. Still have it. But my preference for just one gun would be a 3 or 4 inch barrel, in 357 mag. It would probably a ruger in stainless. I don't have that configuration at the present but keeping my eye out for a good used one local.

[Golfswithwolves]

This revolver would probably be my .41 Special built on a Ruger 3-screw .357 frame by Mr. Forkin of Montana. Because it is very nice, does things well, and was a gift to myself after a combat deployment.

[tja6435]

GP100 all day long. If I couldn't get to the gp100, it'd be the Model 27-2. 3rd choice is the Redhawk. But if my wife/boys were with me, the 38/357 is the only way to go.

[zarrinvz24]

6" Colt Python. Blued.

[dtknowles]

Not sure why you would have to choose just one but I would pick my Dan Wesson with 32-20 and .357 mag. cylinders and multiple barrels, grips, sights, scope and shrouds. Do I get to keep my other guns or do I just get only one gun and it has to be a revolver. If this was caused by some silly government rule I would get more add ons maybe get a .22 cylinder bored for some .22 centerfire round, I already have a .22 barrel I used for some experiments with .357 mag.

Tim

[Whiterabbit]

Only one?

flat top blackhawk, 500 linebaugh, 6.5" barrel. Would be a freedom if anyone converts FA's to .510 cal.

[bedbugbilly]

A friend of mine says . . . "guns are like women . . as soon as you get one you really like . . along comes another one that catches your fancy . . ". Unfortunately . . he's always lived his life that way! LOL

If I could only have one . . it would probably be a good 38 Special. As far as a DA . . . I'm real partial to my S & W 5" M & P revolver. It may be old but so am I . . and it still works just fine.

If it was a SA . . . it would probably be my Uberti 4 3/4" 357 Bisley . shoots where you point it and again, eats 38 Spl. just fine.

Don't get discouraged if you can "only have one" . . . there's nothing wrong with that and a person has to set their priorities. Whatever you decide on . . . shoot it, learn it and enjoy it. With just "one gun" . . trust me . . you'll be a lot further ahead of many of us who have a number of them and due to the "switch offs" that we do, we have to "re-learn" the handgun the next time we go to shoot it after it sits for a long time. As they say . . "beware of the man who shoots just one gun."

Good luck to you and I hope you find something that you really like! :-)

[robertbank]

Charles nailed it when he chose the .38spl/.357Mag. For me it would be my 4.2" Ruger GP-100 with a boatload of 38spl/.357mag loaded up with 200 gr RN bullets. That bullet will do everything I would ever need the gun to do. In fact the gun and .357Mag followed me to Pr. George this PM. I have a class to teach over the week-end and will use 9MM M&P for demos but the Gp-100 is close at hand for travelling purposes.

Take Care

Bob
ps On the way over I nearly had two deer in the front seat with me. The Whitetails around here are not inclined to cross highways at the crooswalks!

[MT Gianni]

Inner city Model 10 S&W 38 special 2"to 4" bbl, mod 15 if you don't worry about sights hanging up.
Northern Rockies & Alaska Redhawk 45 colt or 480 4".
Desert SW 357 probably a 5.5" Blackhawk convertible since you said one revolver that also lets you shoot 9mm if you have autos.
Northern US outside of the Rocky's or where you might have large bears 44 Mag DW, Redhawk or Model 29/629.
Anywhere else the Lipsy Ruger BHawk 44 special and it will work well almost anywhere.

[rking22]

For me and where I live (farmland of middle Tn) the most practical is a 4inch 357, GP100 in my case, but personally I would chose my Smith 696 nodash. The 44special is enough for deer hunting like I do it and the 3 inch L frame can do CCW duty. Rabbits to deer with good plinkability and a passable CCW. Mine is as accurate as my 10-6 out to 25yards (when the light is right). Nothing wrong with that N frame either. I thought a 44mag 5.5 Redhawk might do it for me, but it is just too big for everyday use. If I lived in big bear country I would probably chose different. But then probably not, cause I'm just not that good!
A year from now, when I get my Clements GP100 in 41 special, I may have a new "one good revolver" :)

[Rick R]

Toss up between my 4" .44 Mountain Gun or 4 5/8" Super Blackhawk. I can conceal either under a loose button up shirt or vest. Either will stop anything in North America.

[pworley1]

Ruger super blackhawk.

[LUCKYDAWG13]

7 1/2" Ruger super Blackhawk in 44 magnum if i could have 2 then my 4 5/8" Ruger Blackhawk in 41 magnum

[Leadmelter]

My S&W Model 28 or my S&W 586.
I fire more 38SP/357 MAG than 22LR. I have multiple molds in this caliber: 135gr to 170 gr HP and a load to match all.
Love them bunches.
Leadmelter
MI

[dragon813gt]

6" 586
I CCW a semi so a revolver is for range duty.

[Gunslinger1911]

I've always advised that a 4-5" mid frame .357 was the best all around handgun, and the go to for a first or only. Pick what fits / feels good - L frame, GP100, Blackhawk, etc.

But.

For me it would have to be my S&W 25-5 45 Colt.
SA breaks at 2# 2 oz, Sliver of an icicle crisp. DA breaks at 7 # 2 oz.
Busts any primer I have used.
Some gunsmith, somewhere, some time, KNEW what he was doing !
Altamont grips that fit my hand.
Can use boolits from 150g up to ? (I wouldn't want to shoot a lot of hot / heavy through it, but I could if I had to). A 230 or 250g boolit at 850 fps is gonna put a hurt on anything you hit well.
I've literally put a couple hundred pounds of my cast boolits through this gun.
The only thing I'd change is to have it cut for moon clips, that's in the budget for this winter.

Can you guess I'm REAL happy with this gun ???

Everybody's needs are different, everybody's wants are different, that's the great thing about this forum - let's hear from more of you !

[kiwi]

My is a Smith 6" 586 had it since 1982 shot a ton of lead through it a gunsmith overhauled it in 1990 still shoots like it did when new, shoot a couple of IPSC club matches a month, also have a Gold Cup, S&W 14, S&W 25 Uberti 4 3/4" 44/40 and a Taurus PT99, the 586 is the most accurate and would be my goto if I had to
defend myself or others.

[tigweldit]

If it came down to one, it would be the first revolver I ever had. Ruger Blackhawk .41 mag 6". Still have the old three screw that I got new 46 years ago. It never went back to the factory for the "safety upgrade". After thousands of rounds, from mild to wild, it still fires every time. It can still hit a tin can at 100 yds., if I do my part, 5 out of 6. Wish I had kept the original box. I fell the .41 can do it all, from bullseyes to bears, if you do your part.

[mac60]

It would have to be reliable and versatile with enough power to do anything I'm liable to do with a handgun. I have a Ruger .357/9mm convertible Blackhawk I think meets those requirements.

[Lefty Red]

I love my 44s, but if forced to choice for cheap plinking and hunting I would go 357. I would want a S&W 681 or Ruger GP100. Or a Ruger Red Hawk with a 5.5" barrel and slicked up by Bowen.

Jerry

[35 Whelen]

as the title says. If you could have one revolver as a do it all revolver, what would you choose. I will be in this boat for a while until some things in my life improve.

I have the opportunity to trade straight across with a rifle, which is expendable to me with no attachment, for a LNIB Smith 629 Classic with 5" barrel. It handles well and I've always enjoyed the N frames. I know it's not as strong as a BH/RH/SRH, but all I need is a Keith running at 1200 for everyday work. Which I'm casting up now.

Opinions?

I bet if you were a shrewd trader, you could get TWO Blackhawks (.357 and .44) for the rifle, or maybe a good used DA 38 Special (S&W Model 10 or 64) and a Flat Top .44 Special, which by the way will run a 260 gr. Keith 1200 fps with ease and shoot it good too!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg.html)

35W

[Whiterabbit]

If I could only have one . . it would probably be a good 38 Special.

You remind me of a TV show featuring Anthony Bourdain travelling to Japan. His question to the Japanese family was "if tonight was your last meal, what would it be?" and the daughter said "soba". I don't know how much you know about Japanese culture, but that was the equivalent of getting the question "just one revolver" and answering "a 38 special". Good form. You might have a smidge of Japanese in your family tree. :)

[rondog]

Myself, I'd have to go with my 6" S&W 586.

[Lead Fred]

Being I dont have the Model 19a any more.
Id have to go with the Ruger 3 screw 357 mag Blackhawk
Smooth, fast, and dependable

[stu1ritter]

JWNathan, I didn't like all that weight hanging out there on the 629 Classic either so I removed some of it. This feels perfect and would be my singluar choice.
Stu
http://tinyurl.com/pcmv3tf

[Texantothecore]

1851 Navy Colt. 44. Cal. Three cylinders and a .45 Lc KirstKonverter.

Lots of ways to shoot that gun.

[sewerman68]

Security Six.

[Markbo]

I couldnt.

[EDK]

I'd trade "something expendable" for a 5 inch 629 classic in a heart beat. I had an 8 3/8 cut to 5 inch by Jim Stroh. I've got a bunch of 44 moulds and gallons of 44 magnum brass...and a 550B DILLON.

I will admit my latest purchase was a GLOCK 17; best price on gun and spare magazines. I joined the local gun club and started picking up range brass. Them 9 mm shooters don't pick up their empties! (I run the brass through a DILLON case gauge and pitch the rejects in the recycling can.)

[alg3205]

I would go with a 6" S&W Model 14, love the 586 and 686 also, but the Model 14 is just right.

[Outpost75]

Fun thread to read, with no wrong answers.

Agree also that .38/.357 makes perfect sense if the handgun is not going to be a primary big game hunting firearm.

I do love single-actions, and if using cast bullets exclusively, with possibilities for game larger than deer, I still prefer something which starts with a "4".

[Shuz]

If limited to only one, it would be my Smith 629-4 Mtn Gun. Next choice would be my 629-3 Classic DX with 5" bbl.

[Three44s]

Toss-up for me between my S&W 686 x 4" or the 629 Mtn Gun x 4". 95% of my 44 Mag revolver shooting gets done with 240-250 grain bullets running 1100-1200 FPS, or lower velocities than that.

I resemble that ........ a 629 MG and I run most of my field loads with HS-6 at 11.8 gr. pushing the RCBS 250K at a useful but not abusive 1066 fps.

I have a bunch of round shooters but that MG would the one found in my "cold hand".

Three 44s

[waco]

as the title says. If you could have one revolver as a do it all revolver, what would you choose. I will be in this boat for a while until some things in my life improve.

I have the opportunity to trade straight across with a rifle, which is expendable to me with no attachment, for a LNIB Smith 629 Classic with 5" barrel. It handles well and I've always enjoyed the N frames. I know it's not as strong as a BH/RH/SRH, but all I need is a Keith running at 1200 for everyday work. Which I'm casting up now.

Opinions?



I have the same revolver. Full under lug barrel right? I love mine. I don't hot rod it. About the only thing I run through it is a 429421 over 8gr Unique. Sometimes a few over 19gr of 2400.

[waco]

Here is mine

[jmort]

I will join whoever picked a Ruger Blackhawk.

[daniel lawecki]

That is tough base on all my guns and calibers but one of my .44s would take the vote. Because I can down load when needed and it loves cast boolits of course.

[Petrol & Powder]

VERY INTERESTING THREAD

Lots of insight and people coming at the question from different angles; that's a good thing.

As I see it (yet another perspective to add to the bunch) it comes down to a series of binary decisions. Think of it like a flow chart with each decision having only two possible outcomes.

The first split for me is : Single action or Double Action
I have a few SA revolvers but I'm definitely in the DA camp - So double action revolver

The next split is medium bore vs. big bore.
This one is a bit more difficult. I'm a fan of the heavy 44 Special/light 44 Mag. loads and those cartridges fill a lot of needs but a good 38/357 mag is extremely versatile as well. Unless I had a specific need for the big bore, I would have to go with the 38/357 platform.


Then we start to get into all of the details: barrel length, barrel contour, sights, finish, etc.

It gets real individualized at this level of the flow chart. The GP-100 with a 4" tube would come out high on my personal list but there would be some serious competition for that top spot on the list. A stainless Security-Six with a 4" barrel would be high on the list as would a S&W 686 or 681. Even an N-frame model 27 or 28 would be a strong contender.

[DougGuy]

extra .44-40 line-bored cylinder, by John Taylor, which out shoots the original .44 Magnum cylinder.

147699

I bet I know who can fix THAT! :bigsmyl2:

[DougGuy]

One revolver? I would have to roll with my 7 1/2" SBH since it has put more meat in the freezer than any other gun I own and if the perps are all lined up coming down the hallway, it would save on ammo too I reckon.

[DougGuy]

I bet if you were a shrewd trader, you could get TWO Blackhawks (.357 and .44) for the rifle, or maybe a good used DA 38 Special (S&W Model 10 or 64) and a Flat Top .44 Special, which by the way will run a 260 gr. Keith 1200 fps with ease and shoot it good too!

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h6/308Scout/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg (http://s60.photobucket.com/user/308Scout/media/Ruger%20Flat%20Top%20Blackhawk/429421100yds-ed_zps11ec5c24.jpg.html)

35W

35W, what kind of pressure you reckon that load is making?

[snowwolfe]

Freedom Arms 83 in 44 mag:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/snowwolfe/new%2044%20photo_zpsezvwpsqs.jpg

If I did not plan on shooting anything bigger than a ground hog it's sister in 22/22 mag:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c148/snowwolfe/Freedom%20arms%2097_zpskla0mwq6.jpg

[mart]

Limited to one handgun the rest of my life I could be happy with almost any quality medium or large bore revolver. I could get by with my Bisley 44 Special just fine or any of the big Bisleys as long as they were cut to 5.5". Even a 357 in a Bisley or a 4 inch 27. The 401 Powermag would serve well if that's all I had. I'd not feel undergunned with any of them.

[oscarflytyer]

Ruger SA flattop in 44 SPC or 45 Colt. Have both. Would lean to the 44 SPC if reload, 45 Colt if not. Mine are clones. 4 5/8" bbl. the 44 SPC has been my constant companion in the deer woods for the past few years.

[P Flados]

Actually I only have one revolver.

I got a SS Dan Wesson 357 supermag silhouette special with 8" barrel back when IHMSA was still using their first rule book :D.

When you get the best choice as your first choice it saves lots of second guessing.

When the best choice goes out of production :mad:, you feel sorry of the rest of the world :cry:, and you hang one to the one you have.

I am sure others have different opinions, but you may have noticed that I am somewhat biased (I blame the gun):happy dance:.

[.45Cole]

If it was one gun in the city or fast shooting my 625-4 5" .45 Auto
If it was in the country and hunting, Clements custom 5.5" Ruger bisley .45 Colt

Although it's hard to get used to shooting a bisley from a regular hog leg

[Petrol & Powder]

Security Six.

/\ Very, very tempting /\

[mozeppa]

i can only have one????..........:cry:waaaaaa:cry:

[youngmman]

S&W Mo. 628 Highway Patrolman W/6" barrel in .357 mag.

[Hickory]

As long as the government does not limit me to one handgun, I'll have more than one.

[woodbutcher]

[smilie=s: Some iteration of the sw 25 in 45 Colt,with a 6" tube.And a quality action job.
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

[billybadmedicine]

148135
This old Security Six always seems to find it's way into the "going to the Range" pile I think I'd have to go with a proven winner.

[Petrol & Powder]

The Service-Six, Security-Six and Speed-Six Rugers are real sleepers. People that own them and shoot them know what great guns they are and people that dismiss them are grossly underestimating the value of that design.

[str8shot426]

Ruger Blackhawk 357 with 9mm cylinder.
Done[emoji106]🏻

[dlbarr]

Well, at the moment it's an old model Ruger Bisley Vaquero in .45 LC.

[rintinglen]

A DA 4 inch 357, be it an M-19/66 S&W, a Colt Mark V or King Cobra, a Security Six, or a GP 100, would be my first choice. I have had at least one since 1973.

[FergusonTO35]

The Service-Six, Security-Six and Speed-Six Rugers are real sleepers. People that own them and shoot them know what great guns they are and people that dismiss them are grossly underestimating the value of that design.

Unfortunately the word is out and prices just keep going up. A 2.75 or 3" Speed Six in decent shape will set you back at least $500.00. Ex-LE Service Sixes are consistently in the $300's, especially if they are stainless. Ruger, please get off your rear and give us a six shot double action that doesn't weigh a ton. It wouldn't be that hard to do, I promise!!

[bangerjim]

My S&W 14 356MAG 6" barrel

[outdoorfan]

Unquestionable a double action, probably in a S&W .357 mag, .44 mag, or .45 Colt. Whichever suits your needs the best.

[Petrol & Powder]

.............Ruger, please get off your rear and give us a six shot double action that doesn't weigh a ton. It wouldn't be that hard to do, I promise!!

NO KIDDING !! If they could make a lighter model of the GP-100, kinda like the Service Six..........I think they would sell.

[Hickok]

If I had only one revolver for use to stop, drop or provide meat, it would be a S&W 29/629 .44 Magnum. The 250-275 cast boolit at 1200+fps has worked for me since in the 1970's without fail. Deer and blackbear wont stop the boolit.

My older Model 29 is still nice and tight after thousands of rounds cast boolits, because I never saw the need for 1400+fps with a 250 gr boolit in my hunting or shooting.

[35 Whelen]

35W, what kind of pressure you reckon that load is making?

Around 25K according to Brian Pearce in the article where I saw the load. EK, if memory serves, quoted roughly the same numbers in Sixguns .

35W

[FergusonTO35]

NO KIDDING !! If they could make a lighter model of the GP-100, kinda like the Service Six..........I think they would sell.

The guys on the Ruger forum would go nuts if they reintroduced the Six series, even if just a limited run. Heck I would buy one to show support. I would even be happy if they just made the GP go on a diet or squeezed another round into the SP-101. Neither of the latter two options would be difficult at all. The GP-100 Match Champion is a good start, they sell well around here even at near MSRP.

[osteodoc08]

I checked out a match champion and the trigger to me still seemed.......clunky, esp when compared to previous 686 and my current 586. This is coming from a Ruger fan boy that loves his RedHawks and Blackhawks.

[Outpost75]

The Service-Six, Security-Six and Speed-Six Rugers are real sleepers. People that own them and shoot them know what great guns they are and people that dismiss them are grossly underestimating the value of that design.

Agree! I would not trade my "school gun" for a carload of S&Ws.

151618

[rking22]

I have a 4 inch '76 service six and really like it. For a one and only revolver, the parts availability is a concern. Mine is going no where, but if something breaks I can shoot something else until I find the parts to get it going again.And yes I actually shoot it more than the GP100. I have a 41Special, no-lug GP100 being built, weight should be "just right" :)

[Blackwater]

S&W M-19, pinned & recessed with 3 T's, 4" barrel. Either that or a Ruger SB. It's really hard to decide between them.

[Love Life]

S&W 357 magnum, S&W model 27, or Highway patrolman.

[Beagle333]

GP100. It was my only revolver for about 25 years. (centerfire revolver, that is. I had a few BP's.)

[Petrol & Powder]

Since we're madly drifting this thread anyway........Yes a GP-100 with a lighter half lug barrel (Like the Match Campion but with a lighter barrel contour), maybe a slightly less beefy cylinder, shave a little metal off the upper edges of the top strap, remove a little metal from the peg that holds the grip.

[BullGoose]

Since I already own one, a Dan Wesson Pistol Pack .357. All the barrels, grips and sights you could want plus a little something to hold yer pants up. One way or the other, a large-ish medium frame .357 is the ticket. Whether L frame Smith, Ruger GP-100 or Dan Wesson. All are fair stout for the cartridge and the .38 option is valuable in a one gun scenario
as is the easier concealability of the medium frame vs the large frame.

[osteodoc08]

Lots of great ones to consider. I'm compiling a list and marking off the ones I already have. It looks like I need to add a few more 357s to the stable. I had a 686 no dash with 8-3/8" barrel I had to sell many many moons ago and I wish I had it still.

[Bazoo]

One revolver for all needs. Carry, hunting, plinking. I'd have to go with a smith 27 with 3.5 or 4 inch barrel.

If concealed carry was not a factor, i'd go with a ruger blackhawk, not sure of barrel length, but probably 4 3/4. Ive never tried to conceal one of those, but if i could get a good iwb holster made for it, it would probably be sufficient.

[cptinjeff]

" Beware of the man with only one gun, he probably knows how to use it! "

Like has already been posted. ...take advantage of owning one gun and really master it. Enjoy

[Markbo]

That last statement caused me to ponder some. I have been a revolver guy for a long yime. Started out with a Colt Python as my first handgun when I was 18. And I have got a lot of double action revolvers after that. Hunting revolvers are almost exclusively Bisleys. Still have lots of double actions.

Semi autos have been pared over the years to MK IIs and 1911s. They are what I like in that format. And I have plenty of them. BUT.... nothing feels as natural nor handles as quickly in the hand as an SAA or clone. Nothing. Sam Colt created an incredibly ergonomic masterpiece way back when and I carry one always in the bush above all others. Not for SD, but in the woods, etc.

There is nothing that feels more natural in my hands.

[TXGunNut]

I agree, Markbo. There's something about a big bore single action revolver. I've carried a RBH in 45 Colt for over 20 years as a backup while hunting. It's normally carried with heavy loads that rival anything the 43 Mag has to offer. I also have a nice Colt and a handful of clones that are perfectly happy with BP loads and all feel very good in the hand.
Sam Colt did indeed get it right. I've toyed with carrying a SAA or clone for SD and in some situations it makes sense. I have an El Paso Saddlery holster that actually conceals fairly well under a jacket or heavy shirt. I may even carry it with the BP loads it loves.

[W.R.Buchanan]

I love these threads but I really can't imagine why people don't post more pics.

These threads are there to induce people to buy more guns and they work better if there are pictures of those guns.

I have 3 Revolvers: A Ruger SBH Bisley in . 44 Magnum that had the barrel cut to 5" with Bowen/Weigand sights and a satin bead blasted finish. This gun is a joy to shoot and I can hit with it.

A 4 5/8" BH Bisley in .44 Special which is still stock, I haven't shot it a whole lot.

Finally the only S&W Revolver I could bring myself to buy, a 696 No dash .44 Special. It is what a Charter Arms Bulldog would like to be when it grows up. I really like this gun!

I had a M29 back in the day and I clearly remembered how the grip hits the web of your hand when firing heavy loads to the point of not wanting another one. But the 696 with nice 250 gr loads in the 750 fps range is pleasant to shoot. 750 fps is more than enough for any conceivable use of this gun and it's designation is "Hiking or Walking Around Gun," and I have also used it for IDPA . I need to practice with it more as the short barrel does take some getting used to.

But if I could only have one it would have to be the SBH Bisley since it will do everything the others will,, and probably better, and the others can't shoot Mags.

Randy

[Rifle 57]

For me it would be-

S/A - BFR 454
D/A- S&W 629 Classic 44 mag or 686 -357 mag

[Golfswithwolves]

The Colt SAA is indeed a marvel of design! Not by Sam Colt however- he had been pushing up daisies for about a decade before the wonderful SAA was introduced. But this revolver in .45 Colt is my 2nd in line choice for the all-arounder.

[sliphammer]

Ruger SAA, 45 LC, adj. sights, 4.75 bbl., w/xtra 45 ACP cyl

[P Flados]

Actually I only have one revolver.

I got a SS Dan Wesson 357 supermag silhouette special with 8" barrel back when IHMSA was still using their first rule book :D.

When you get the best choice as your first choice it saves lots of second guessing.

When the best choice goes out of production :mad:, you feel sorry of the rest of the world :cry:, and you hang one to the one you have.

I am sure others have different opinions, but you may have noticed that I am somewhat biased (I blame the gun):happy dance:.

So WRB, you say you want photos. For scale I tossed in ammo, 38 Sp, 357 Mag & 357 Max.

148475

[Markbo]

The Colt SAA is indeed a marvel of design! Not by Sam Colt however- he had been pushing up daisies for about a decade before the wonderful SAA was introduced. But this revolver in .45 Colt is my 2nd in line choice for the all-arounder.

Technically you are correct of course as two of Sam Colts engineers and several other employees did the final design work for the U.S. Army over a period of around 10. years. But it was based on his previous work, including the grip which is what I am so fond of and the did work for Colt's so Samuel was there - and remains son in his designs - in spirit. :)

[Beerd]

Photos?
By some coinkydink September's Castpic of the Month is Revolvers.

I think most all of us would be well served by a double action 38 Special. Want something more, then go with a 357 Magnum and still shoot 38's.

I've never shot one but for he11 for stout there was a Ruger Redhawk in .357 Mag. Less hard to find is a Dan Wesson.
..

[betschet50]

For me it would be a hard choice but I think it would be my stainless Rugger supper Blackhawk 44mag in 5.5" it can shot 44spl & 44mag but dose not have the square back trigger guard. But thank god we don't have to chose I would miss my other guns too much.

[Ruger45Bisley]

It would be a tough choice, I like single actions better than double but if I could only keep just one it would probably be my SRH Toklat

http://i.imgur.com/8DVfLUn.jpg

[nockhunter]

If I could only have one handgun it would be a Smith & Wesson 686 plus. Seven shot revolver with a 3" barrel. Not the best for everything but could get you out of a jam and put venison on the table.

Mike

[Ithaca Gunner]

4" S&W 629-3 .44 Mag. Had this revolver since new and it's never let me down.

[RJM52]

as the title says. If you could have one revolver as a do it all revolver, what would you choose. I will be in this boat for a while until some things in my life improve.

I have the opportunity to trade straight across with a rifle, which is expendable to me with no attachment, for a LNIB Smith 629 Classic with 5" barrel. It handles well and I've always enjoyed the N frames. I know it's not as strong as a BH/RH/SRH, but all I need is a Keith running at 1200 for everyday work. Which I'm casting up now.

Opinions?

Would be hard to choose a better .44 Magnum for all around use. I had a couple of 629 Mountain Guns and traded one of them to a friend for his 629 (1981 no- P&R) that had been factory rebarreled with a Mag-Na-Ported Classic barrel that Smith said was left over from a special run for a distributor. That was the nicest shooting .44 Magnum I ever fired. Unfortunately my friend died and when his nephew was looking for a .44 I sold it to him to keep it in the family. He bought a Simply Rugger holster and that is all he uses as his hunting and outdoor handgun...

For me it would be a 4" S&W .41 Magnum...57, 657 or 657 Mountain Gun. Just like the balance better, conceals better and draws easier...

Bob

[makicjf]

I love my 4 inch GP100 in 357; its accurate, reliable, quick and reloads almost as fast as a moonclipped revo with Comp II, but do not have utter faith in the 357 round for any situation I might encounter. All my ruger 45 convertibles, and my 2 digit prefix birdshead Vaquero convertible ,2 Blackhawks, one with a 4 5/8 and one with a 7 1/2 inch tube) can handle anything almost anywhere, but for two legged troubles reload slowly; my two 357 Rugers, one a Blackhawk made in '58 and the other a New Vaquero suffer from the reloading issue and the marginal nature ( in my mind) of the 357 on larger game; My 4 inch redhawk in 45 colt, moonclipped "should" be perfection; moonclipped, night sights, trued forcing cone, throats opened, target crown, smoothed trigger, shoot 45 acp ok but is a tack driving hammer with any 45 colt from cowboy level up through Linebaugh loads with 320 WFN's. It would also make a perfect mate for my '92 Rossi in 45 colt. It has been, however, an absolute nightmare to resolve the light strike issues, even with the Bowen 40 lbs sledgehammer spring ( the longer firing pin for the new frame should be available this month) and the longest of 4 transfer bars I ordered... It will still light strike 1 or 2 of twelve in DA.... Single action it is flawless, but "The One Revolver" must be reliable in any mode, anytime. My 625 JM is VERY close to perfection: slick trigger, crazy fast reloads, shoot anything from 160 grain collar buttons through 270 grain RCBS Keith ( I've driven them up to 950 and stopped there) and will clover leaf all day at 15 yards off hand with my 248 grain Mountain Mold truncated cone with a .350 meplat. Those ho-hum along at 865 fps and are field rest accurate on an 8 inch plate at 100 yards all day long. Just enough recoil to know you are shooting a real revolver but quick recovery. This is my IPSC revolver, and my daily packing pistol ( or will be again when the cylinder comes back from being opened and having the charge holes chamfered). The upside of the moonclips for reloads is also a downside;without auto rim brass I'm married to moonclips, plus a top off of the cylinder requires dumping any unfired rounds. The only real issue is the 625's limited top end power--Which brings me to my 454 Toklat. Power to reach Africa, and with sight adjustment plinkers for chipmunks, good, but long DA trigger, not super fast due to the mass of the cylinder, but flawless in function SA and DA. The twist rate demands ( I learned the hard way) 260 or heavier bullets, which is ok. Comp I 44 mag loaders work perfectly, though without chamfering the 255 RCBS Keith can hang up a bit....
I'll have a hard time ever fully trusting my Redhawk; I'm not sure I'd want to face a 300 lbs angry hog or a run away Brangus bull with the 625 even loaded to the hilt ( though I truly love it for 99.99999 of my needs), so I'd have to keep the Toklat....
I Think.../
Jason

[ilikec2]

Freedom Arms premier grade model 83, chambered in 454 casull with a 7-1/2" barrel AND THE TUNGSTEN FORCING CONE ....

[Certaindeaf]

as the title says. If you could have one revolver as a do it all revolver, what would you choose. I will be in this boat for a while until some things in my life improve.

I have the opportunity to trade straight across with a rifle, which is expendable to me with no attachment, for a LNIB Smith 629 Classic with 5" barrel. It handles well and I've always enjoyed the N frames. I know it's not as strong as a BH/RH/SRH, but all I need is a Keith running at 1200 for everyday work. Which I'm casting up now.

Opinions?
A 3-4" M-29. The shorter barrels are handier.. and will still send a lump at 1200 very accurately.

[SSGOldfart]

I have various Smiths and Rugers that I love but if I only had one it would be my Dan Wesson 15-2 in 357 Mag.
Same here I would be lost without my DW15-2 . With 4barrels it's hard to beat

[M-Tecs]

Same here I would be lost without my DW15-2 . With 4barrels it's hard to beat

I have two DW15-2's. For barrels I have 6", 8" and a 10" barrels. I would like a 2 1/2" and a 4" but I am not finding any at the prices I am willing to pay.

[ricks45]

148704As much as I love my 1911's, I have 6, 3 are customs. As far as my wheel guns it would have to be my DW .357 as I have the 2 1/2 the 4, the 6, and 8inch barrel with scope, and 2 different size grips. It can be configured for multiple uses from conceal to hunting.

[Markbo]

If that was a .41 it would be just about perfect. Oh... in stainless. Oh.. and mine. ;)

[flagman1776]

3" S&W M66. http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/fleeting_cat/663IMG_2320.jpg
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o258/fleeting_cat/66holsterIMG_2319.jpg

[dougader]

My favorite revolver is an Alan Harton Montado in 45 Colt. But if I could only keep one, it'd be a 454 Super Redhawk with the barrel cut back to 4-1/2 - 5" (NOT a Toklat).

[willyboy]

1917 Smith & Wesson!

[cornmastah]

I would probably have to go with my gp100 for practical reasons if I could only pick one--that or my 44 mag super redhawk.
148895

[osteodoc08]

OP here. I ended up with a minty 629-2 that was so clean, there was no appreciable fire markings on the end of the cylinder and the forcing cone was square and sharp with no erosion, flame cutting and the recoil shield showed no wear either.

I realize it doesn't have the endurance mods, but this isn't going to be a hot rodded go to. I'll keep my rugers for that.

[StrawHat]

OP here. I ended up with a minty 629-2 that was so clean, there was no appreciable fire markings on the end of the cylinder and the forcing cone was square and sharp with no erosion, flame cutting and the recoil shield showed no wear either.

I realize it doesn't have the endurance mods, but this isn't going to be a hot rodded go to. I'll keep my rugers for that.

Glad to hear it worked out for you. I had a 29-2 for many years before I decided it wanted to be elsewhere.

Kevin

[Petrol & Powder]

Sounds like the OP found a keeper.
A stainless N-frame in 44 Mag is an extremely versatile tool.

44 Special loads or 44 mag loads in the 44 Special range can fulfill 95% of what a 44 is called upon to perform and the 629 still has the ability to fill that last 5% of 44 magnum needs. That is a classic and very well rounded revolver !!
Load up a bunch of 250 grain Keith bullets with "Skeeter" level loads and a few full magnum loads and never look back !!!

ENJOY !!

[Plate plinker]

625 because it is so much fun.

[oscarflytyer]

Mine would be Ruger BH Flattop in 44 SPC, 4 5/8" bbl - and YES - I DO have this one! Your 629 option will do ANYTHING my 44 SPC BH will do. I primarily shoot Keith 255 cast, and sometimes RNFP 215 grn.

[Geezer in NH]

Reply to OP only.

My 4 inch model 19 converted to RB. Hammer cut to minimum and trigger polished smooth. action smoothed for DA. I have never shot it SA after trying that 15 years ago.

.357 full loads or 38 specials.

[TXGunNut]

OP here. I ended up with a minty 629-2 that was so clean, there was no appreciable fire markings on the end of the cylinder and the forcing cone was square and sharp with no erosion, flame cutting and the recoil shield showed no wear either.

I realize it doesn't have the endurance mods, but this isn't going to be a hot rodded go to. I'll keep my rugers for that.

Old school 629, good call. Classy old revolver. Which barrel length?

[osteodoc08]

Old school 629, good call. Classy old revolver. Which barrel length?

6" barrel. It matches my other 6" N frames

[TXGunNut]

Nicely done. Congrats. Ignore (almost) everything I say about the 43 Mag. ;-)

[osteodoc08]

Nicely done. Congrats. Ignore (almost) everything I say about the 43 Mag. ;-)

No problem as the 41 and 45colt are my #1 and #2 love affairs respectively.

This replaces a DW 44 mag dad had that was "reallocated" unceremoniously by my brother.

[Combat Diver]

Would really depends on ones primary needs and location. In the lower 48 I could be content on either a 3" K frame .357 for concealed carry or 4" K frame adj sights .357 for everything. Further north I'll take either a 4" N frame preferred in .41 mag or second in .44 mag.


CD

[Half Dog]

Revolver? S&W 686 .357 mag. Why...versatile rounds;

.357
.38
Shot Shells

[TXGunNut]

No problem as the 41 and 45colt are my #1 and #2 love affairs respectively.....(snip)


I will admit to being a 45 Colt fan and as a lifelong titewad I see little reason to have a 45 and a 43. There is a twin to my 45 Colt RBH in 41 Mag at the local big box retailer. Some days it makes sense to just buy that little gem and put it away until I feel like messing with it. Never ventured into 41 territory but I know the reward would justify the journey.

[Rustyleee]

Mine would be an "N" frame .357 with a 4" or 5" barrel.

[DeputyDog25]

Colt Anaconda, hands down

[OnHoPr]

Maybe a 454 Casull configuration like freedom arms with new cylinder chambered in 38-40 with appropriate barrel of about 10" in length. But, then these types of posts are like going hunting or to the range with only one cartridge.

[Skeet06]

Ruger Security-Six. Stainless steel with a 6" barrel. 1977 vintage. I did have to add a Weaver 2X scope for my aging eyes,

[Silver Jack Hammer]

I've got many Colt SAA's that I'm never parting with but if I had to choose one, I'd choose the one with the best trigger. It's the first one I bought over 30 years ago. It's a .44 Special 4 3/4" blued with eagle rubber grips. I bought it new as a .45 and had it recalibrated. It's on its second pair of eagle grips. It's absolutely accurate.

[Catshooter]

"Recalibrated." I like that.

A four and three quarter forty four special. That has to be a sweet arm. I once drooled over one of that description, blued/color cased and it had a .44-40 cylinder and elk grips with lots of bark to 'em. Sadly, I didn't have the $1100 he wanted, and that was nigh on 40 years ago now.


Cat

[Silver Jack Hammer]

This particular Colt's .44 Special also has a 44/40 cylinder. In fact I have two (2) .44 Special cylinders for it, one I had custom cut to .430".

[El Bango]

All too east,Ruger single six with interchangeable 22mag. Cylinder

[DRSLYR]

My Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 Mag with 7-1/2" barrel would be my Number One. My Number Two would be my Ruger Blackhawk .357 Mag with 4-5/8" barrel. Both wear Pachmayr Presentation Grips. I love them both.

DRSLYR

[jlchucker]

My choice for a single action would be what I have- a new model Blackhawk in 44 special, 4.5 inch barrel. Double action would be my Smith model 60, 3 inch .357, mostly used with 38 special ammo. Both guns pretty much exclusive cast boolit shooters of course.

[Mackay Sagebrush]

Only one revolver?

I am glad it was not "just one handgun period".

For revolvers this one is fairly easy,

I had a 29-2 customized to my specs with a 5" barrel, interchangeable front sights (DX style), trigger narrowed and polished, complete with action job. It is carried in a Milt Sparks rig and it is a pure joy to shoot.





http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/P1000377_zps80c1047b.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/P1000377_zps80c1047b.jpg.html)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/023-3.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/023-3.jpg.html)

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b109/IV_Troop/P1000384_zps06f31ec1.jpg (http://s18.photobucket.com/user/IV_Troop/media/P1000384_zps06f31ec1.jpg.html)

[Beerd]

Welcome Mackay!
Nice pics.

..

[EMC45]

Nice pics indeed. Ed McGivern book is a nice touch too.

[TXGunNut]

Welcome, Mackay! Nice pics. Good looking Euro mount boar, too.

[GhostHawk]

Well after going by this thread for almost 2 years I decided it was time I dippedvmy toe in.

I have exactly 1 revolver, Heritage .22lr with the second cylinder for .22 mag, 6 " barrel, single action.
I like it, it shoots straight, no function problems, hits pretty much what you aim at. Now my wife she loves this gun. She just kind of lines it up and blasts away 6 times but her groups will be half the size of mine at 25 yards. If you really want to shoot something dead it will do it, just aim for the eyeball and don't miss.

There is no bears for the most part in this part of North Dakota, and the streets are quiet. It does the job I need it to do.

[Outpost75]

I bet I know who can fix THAT! :bigsmyl2:

Original Ruger cylinder has .433 throats, the .44-40 is .4305 and the barrel is .4295, so unless you have invented the "puttin' on" tool, which will make you a rich man, I'll have to be content with the .44 Magnum cylinder the way it is. Truth be told I do most of my single-action shooting these days with the .45 Colt / .45 ACP convertible for which you reamed both cylinders for me, and I am very happy with that combination. I don't load the .45 Colt "hot" so usually go for the .44 Magnum or .44-40 when I want something with more ooomph than .45 ACP.

[Markbo]

Sounds like a new/properly sized cylinder is in order. ;)

[9.3X62AL]

Sounds like a new/properly sized cylinder is in order. ;)

That's the funny thing, Markbo.......per SAAMI, a throat spec of .433" is the high side of normal for both 44 Special and 44 Magnum. MANY S&W 44 Mags from the 1980s and 1990s came with .433"-.434" throats. Gopher Slayer and I a few years back took a set of pin gauges to 5 different Model 29-series examples that were part of an estate sale. These units were from that era. Of the 30 cylinder throats samples, I recall one being .432"......3 or 4 at .434"......and the rest all at .433". Having a Redhawk already in 44 Magnum with nice OEM throats at .430", I declined to purchase any of these--not wishing to dance with custom mould one-off tools and likely Taylor-esque forcing cone work to make the fatcastings mesh with the usual .4285"-.4295" grooves found in S&W barrels. I was a little burned out on poetic internal revolver dimensions after having recently finished the building of The Backwards Bisley Blackhawk in 45 Colt. No mas.

[paul h]

Man that's a tough one! It would have to suffice for mice to moose, but given that catagory I don't think I could beat the Ruger Toklat

https://www.gunsamerica.com/UserImages/3471/967491364/wm_7314636.jpg

I would send it off for a trigger job and get the cylinder machined to take moon clips for 45 ACP.

But since I haven't had to make that decision, I find a 357 paired with a 480 fits my needs better.

[Weaponologist]

I would love to have an BFR in 45/70 with a Muzzle Brake of course... But until I can afford to rap my hands around one My 44mag Super Black Hawk Hunter will have to do....lol....
151682

[murf205]

Just a plane old 4" 629 with a Hillary hole in it does the trick for me. Mine has a green Hi-Viz front sight and it shoots a 250gr Keith into about 2" @ 25yds(when I do my part) with 16.5 grs of 2400. I have 17 hand guns but this is the one I reach for almost all the time. No action job or mods other than the front sight...just load up and shoot the thing.

[Latheman]

I used to have a Colt Python .357 Mag. I sold it for a pittance compared to what its worth now. It was an awesome shooter I wish I had never sold it. A charter arms bulldog in .44 special is in my near future God willing and Wife willing. But I don't know if it can be considered If I could only have one.

[Reverend Al]

Well ... if I could just have one revolver ... then I'd just keep my three S&W Model 624's in .44 Special! (They're all the same gun, right?) I bought the first one brand new in 6 1/2" and I liked it so much that I bought a used 4" a year or so later, and then "fell" into another 6 1/2" at a price that I just couldn't refuse! They all shoot great with pretty much any powder and bullet combinations I've tried and with medium power level .44 Special loads they should last far longer than I will!

[stubbicatt]

I recently acquired a Smith & Wesson 586 L-Comp. I'm not totally sold on it yet. It does shoot quite well. Double action is pretty nice, but the single action is not all it should be. It has a 3" ported barrel, which seems about the ideal length in my hands. Perhaps with an action job I will learn to like it better.

Otherwise it is my 22-4 which has been extensively modified internally. I really like that revolver. Reloads with moon clips have to be nearly as fast as a magazine change on a semi auto.

I tend to lean towards the L-Comp mostly because it shares ammo with my lever rifle. As a friend told me once, the L-Comp is the "Goldilocks gun." Not too big, not too small, "just right." I tend to agree.

[MtGun44]

I'd move out of that place and go to Free America where I can own as many
as I want. :bigsmyl2:

[Ric-san]

If concealment is considered...my 3" Ruger SP101 in .327 federal magnum. If not worried about concealment...my 4" Ruger GP100 in .357 magnum.